Feature:
Peripheral Artery Disease

Other Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can come from a variety of causes. Your healthcare professional has specific ways to discover if the cause is P.A.D. Other non-P.A.D. common causes of leg pain may include:

A muscle cramp (also called a charley horse), frequently caused by the following:

Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood

Medications, such as diuretics, which can cause you to lose too much fluid or minerals

Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time

Injuries caused by:

A torn or overstretched muscle (strain)

Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)

Inflamed tendon (tendinitis)

Shin splints—pain in the front of your leg related to overuse or repetitive pounding

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the large, deep veins of the leg. This clot can interfere with blood flow. In some circumstances, a part of the clot may break off and travel through the bloodstream (embolize). The dislodged blood clot (embolus) can travel to the lungs, brain, or other organs, causing severe damage.

Infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) or skin and soft tissue
(cellulitis)

Inflammation of the leg joints by arthritis or gout

Nerve damage—common in diabetics, smokers, and alcoholics (symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a sensation of pins-and-needles)

Varicose veins—swollen and twisted veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin

Spinal stenosis—narrowing in the spine, causing pressure on the nerves and spine, with resulting numbness and pain

Lumbar disease

Osteoarthritis

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Does my medical history raise my risk for P.A.D.?

Do I need to do anything about my blood glucose, blood pressure, or cholesterol?

Which screening tests or exams are right for me?

If I have P.A.D., what steps should I take to treat it?

What steps can I take to reduce my risk for heart attack and stroke?

What can I do to quit smoking?

To Find Out More

For more information about P.A.D. and to download free education materials, visit: